The HPCF-SFI is a fully integrated, skid-mounted PSA nitrogen generation and cylinder filling system. Unlike the HPCF Series, which requires a separately sourced and installed air compressor, the HPCF-SFI integrates the air compressor, refrigerant dryer, PSA nitrogen generator, and high-pressure booster onto a single skid with a single electrical connection. Nitrogen is generated on demand, boosted to high pressure, and delivered directly to cylinders — eliminating the need for frequent cylinder deliveries and reducing operating costs.
System Overview
The HPCF-SFI uses Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology to separate nitrogen from compressed air using carbon molecular sieve media. Compressed air is generated internally by the integrated air compressor, dried by the integrated refrigerant dryer, and filtered before entering the PSA nitrogen generator. The generator alternates airflow through two adsorption beds — one pressurizing to produce high-purity nitrogen while the other regenerates by exhausting oxygen-enriched waste gas. Product nitrogen is stored in a low-pressure nitrogen tank, then boosted to high-pressure cylinder fill pressure by the integrated motor-driven booster.
The system is fully automatic, controlled by a PLC, and cycles in and out of standby based on nitrogen storage tank pressure. Only one electrical connection is required for the entire system.
Technical Specifications
Electrical & Output Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 220 VAC / 60 Hz / 1 Phase |
| Current draw | 22–32 Amps |
| Power connector | CS6365 |
| Air supply | Not required — integrated air compressor |
| Nitrogen outlet pressure | 0–4,500 PSIG |
| Nitrogen purity | 99–99.999% (factory set per unit specification) |
| Maximum nitrogen flow | 90 SCFH |
| Target duty cycle | 70% |
Physical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 68"L × 34"W × 63"H |
| Weight | 880 lbs |
| Noise level | 90 dBA maximum (measured at 3 ft) |
Environmental Operating Limits
| Condition | Limit |
|---|---|
| Ambient temperature | 40–90°F (4–32°C) |
| Relative humidity | 90% maximum |
| Maximum elevation | 1,500 ft (457 m) above sea level |
| Installation | Indoors, non-hazardous area |
Catalog Numbers and Model Numbers
The HPCF-SFI is available in three catalog configurations. The catalog number determines the FRP (Filter Replacement Parts) kit part numbers used for all scheduled maintenance.
| Catalog Number | Model Numbers | 1K Kit | 2K Kit | 5K Kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPCF-SFI-0004 | 800258, 800347 | FRP-800347-1K | FRP-800347-2K | FRP-800347-5K |
| HPCF-SFI-0110 | 800345, 800346 | FRP-800345-1K | FRP-800345-2K | FRP-800345-5K |
| HPCF-SFI-0130 | 800343, 800344 | FRP-800343-1K | FRP-800343-2K | FRP-800343-5K |
Key Components
Integrated Air Compressor
The HPCF-SFI includes a skid-mounted air compressor that generates all feed air for the PSA nitrogen generator — no external compressed air source is required. The compressor is sized to meet the nitrogen generator's feed air demand at the design purity and flow rate.
Integrated Refrigerant Dryer
A refrigerant dryer is integrated on the skid to remove moisture from the compressed air before it enters the nitrogen generator. An integrated water separator removes bulk condensate ahead of the drying process.
Air Filtration Train
Four filter elements (F1–F4) remove solid particles, liquid aerosols, and oil vapor from the compressed air before it reaches the PSA beds. A separate outlet purification filter (F5) is installed downstream of the booster on the high-pressure nitrogen output. Filter locations and replacement intervals are covered in the Filter & Preventive Maintenance article.
PSA Nitrogen Generator
Two adsorption beds containing carbon molecular sieve (CMS) alternately pressurize and regenerate to produce a continuous flow of high-purity nitrogen. Each bed is equipped with a safety relief valve and pressure gauge. Beds over 4 inches in diameter are ASME-certified pressure vessels.
Motor-Driven High-Pressure Booster
An integrated motor-driven booster compresses low-pressure nitrogen from the storage tank to high-pressure cylinder fill pressure (up to 4,500 PSIG). The booster uses a V-belt drive and requires periodic oil checks, oil changes, V-belt tensioning, and valve head service — all detailed in the Filter & Preventive Maintenance article. This is a motor-driven unit and is distinct from the air-driven amplifier used in the HPCF Series.
PLC with Touchscreen
A fully automatic PLC controls all compressor, generator, and booster sequencing. The touchscreen displays system status, run hours, alarm conditions, and sensor data. The PLC tracks run hours and alerts when maintenance kits are due. Controls and PLC navigation are detailed in the Controls & Operation article.
Safety Relief Valves
ASME-approved safety relief valves are installed on the PSA adsorption beds, nitrogen storage tank, and booster output. These must never be disabled, bypassed, or tampered with. Follow all local and site codes for safe venting of relief valve discharge.
Optional Features
An optional Zirconium Oxide oxygen sensor can be added to continuously monitor nitrogen purity in the storage tank. The sensor reads O2 content in parts per million (PPM) and displays the reading on the PLC screen. Units configured for 99.999% purity use a 10 PPM setpoint.
Related Articles
- HPCF-SFI — Installation & Startup
- HPCF-SFI — Controls & Operation
- HPCF-SFI — Alarms & Troubleshooting
- HPCF-SFI — Filter & Preventive Maintenance
- HPCF-SFI — Safety Guidelines
- HPCF Series — Overview & Specifications
Contact South-Tek Systems
Phone: (910) 415-1880
Email / Ticket: support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com